1908 1st Military Issue - Characteristics...how to know

[siegersallee]

Hi all,

It has been a while since I have been on the board; but, my interest in lugers has been re-invigorated and I have a question that I cannot find a conclusive answer to.

Basically, what makes a luger a "1st Issue 1908 Military" vs "Early Issue 1908 Military".

Now specifically, I am referring to 1908 and 1909 Lugers from DWM manufactured for the German Army.

Characteristics of Both per original manufacture:

1- No Hold Open
2- No Shoulder Lug
3- No date on the Chamber
4- Military acceptance proofs on the left hand side
5- Commercial style serial on underside of side plate
6- No barrel/bore gauge marks under the barrel
7- Serial Number along the tail of the magazine.

These traits seem valid.

I have read that "1st Issue" were in the serial number range 34 - 4828b and that "Early Issue" were those lugers from late 1908 - 1909 with all the above traits but with serial numbers greater than 4828b.


Would others comment as to what makes a luger a "1st Issue" vs an "Early Issue" ?
If you are wondering what I am talking about, on the Simpson Website they have "Military 1908" and "1st Issue Military 1908".
I have started trying to understand what is the difference ?


Of course by 1910, 1908 Military Lugers were chamber dated. So they are all outside of this question.

Happy 4th of July

Richard